Firstly, I am aware of the numerous analyses, predictions and conclusions being published daily regarding this 2016 (unconventional) election campaign now raging in the USA.I still add my layman’s bit as anyone with just a bit of interest in electoral politics – and has Cable TV- must be enthralled by the rather strange goings on across the US at this time.
Secondly, I stick to my very own position and considered conclusion that at election time, those who bother to vote – the eligible electorate- usually settle for the best of a bad lot. For most candidates offering up themselves as the best “qualified’ for your vote are not without some kind of personal or political sin. Even those who aspire to leadership without any substantial baggage soon acquire lots.
Frankly Speaking, to me these American 2016 Elections exemplify my theory more than most previous ones.
Insurgent Trump, unfavourable Clinton
My take, or views, on the two candidates now on the Campaign Homestretch to be US President conform to what the more objective American constituencies have assessed.
It is that Donald Trump beat out sixteen well-qualified, relatively decent Republican nominees because of Republicans’ impatience with rejection of establishment politics whereby they have experienced no upward economic mobility for the bottom and middle classes. Even Democrats share this fact and fear whilst staying loyal to their party and candidate Clinton.
I’ll not “regale” readers repetitively with the numerous sins and short-comings of Donald Trump. But I’ll remind that the Republican constituency- the people- chose him as candidate. To me had they nominated persons like Perry, Cruz, Rubio, Bush, Kasich, Fiorina, the Republican Party would have been victorious after November 08. But Republicans went for the flamboyance, differently-abled, insurgent maverick who actually made them feel that a superman-President loomed on their horizon.
But Donald has been reckless with statements that have come around to derail his bid. His political intellect is deficient but he would have attracted appropriate advisers. It boils down to his lack of morality and ethics. His supporter, Dr Ben Carson reminds that he was/is “a millionaire playboy.” Much more sleaze- as businessman and entertainer- can emerge. America deserves better.
Role-model Hillary?
Post-sixties societies today seem to overlook dubious, crooked, illegal, immoral characteristics in “leaders.”
Frankly Speaking, material success sometimes supplemented by academic “intellectual” standing, attracts adulation and support, even false hope. But the choices are few and even crooks can morph into capable leaders. After all, they “know the world”.
Hillary Clinton- once State and US. First Lady, Senator, Secretary of State, etc- trumps Donald easily with qualifications, intellect and experience. But the baggage of her history and experience is replete with serious negatives that would have sunk other candidates.
But hers is a superior campaign. Trump hands her ammunition and the media have committed to supporting her. Like Trump, she is one of the most unfavourable candidates for President! But polls just indicate.
The sordid revelations through WikiLeaks and her e-mail scandals depict an ambitious, also-wealthy lady-politician. Perhaps America – jealous of the world’s past and present female leaders-wants the “phenomenon” of its own first Woman-President. How this will impact America’s own socio-economic challenges, the world and our corner of the planet, is left to be seen. From January 2017.
Coalition puzzles
This Coalition government I helped to “vote in” has been offering me some real puzzling moments recently. Even currently.
But I’m not referring to some already-colossal “mis-steps” in terms of ministerial injudicious statements and actions, or unkept manifesto promises now being “mitigated” by explanations and “reasons” or the Ministry of Communities’ approach to the Georgetown City Council or other local authorities and slothfulness with housing. No, it’s the smaller, but equally mystifying public revelations that challenge, bother me. Examples?
Powerful Minister/Spokesman Harmon declared that amidst allegations and indications of widespread fraud at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), government will not intervene in the affairs of that Constitutional body. Okay. But the Cabinet just directed the hospital Corporation Board of Directors to send CEO Khan on leave! (Not a “constitutional body”?) Okay.
Joe appoints BK. The President dis-appoints. And PM Nagamootoo is still washing his hands over the goings-on at the Broadcast Authority.
Minister Jordan has just `bused the Auditor General. The Chronicle trumpeted: “Jordan flays Auditor General.” The minister has indeed castigated the “independent, autonomous” AG publicly.
And another “A.G.”, Attorney-General Williams is having to do some break-dancing over the intended acquisition of private property. A new APNU+AFC High Commissioner owns one of those lots. My wonderment includes “what goes on at Cabinet meetings?” Before decisions -and indecisions – are leaked out? I’m puzzled.
Ponder- with care…
- 1) Lights! Endless power after the GPL’s US $71/2 M is spent on the Canadian tutoring (multiply 71/2 M by 200.)
- 2) What about Sanders and Pence in the U.S. Elections?
- 3) Ow Minister Jordan, please for a little something for old Public Service Pensioners – over -60, over -70, over – 80. Even our loving over-70 President deserves a little increase.
- 4) Acquire the old Co-op Bank Building in Stabroek and construct a modern 2-storeyed vendors mall.
‘Til next week!
(allanafenty@yahoo.com)